The Hartwell vaccuum mattress is the only device vaccuum style immobilization device approved by Yukon EMS as a stand alone spinal motion restriction device. The medevac program utilizes this device for long term spinal motion restriction in the transport setting.
In order to facilitate the positioning of the patient on and off this device, a clamshell style stretcher should be utilized.
In order to promote maximum comfort, a blanket roll should be placed under the knees and the thermorest mattress, covered with a "fluid proof blue sheet", placed between the patient and the device. The packaged patient can then be placed in a sleeping bag or blanket pack and positioned onto a Ferno #9 stretcher.
